TAMPA, Fla. -- "It could be an upward of 5 inches,” says Bob Buckhorn, Mayor of Tampa.
Tampa Officials aren’t messing around when it comes to the storm system headed our way.
“We anticipate this to be a wind and rain event,” says Mayor Buckhorn.
An event that could see 20 plus mile an hour winds. Tampa’s Fire Chief says it’s important that everyone has a plan.
“Once 40 plus mile an hour winds are sustained, Emergency Response Vehicles don’t go out in that type of weather,” says Chief Tom Forward.
Officials say they can’t stress enough, “Don’t be stupid,” says Mayor Buckhorn.
Every storm event, leaders say they are called out for cars that have been stalled out by the rising water.
“Do not put yourself in danger,” says Chief Eric Ward, Tampa Police Department.
Crews have been out all day cleaning out storm drains to help alleviate some of the flooding.
“The city is prepared for this event,” says Mayor Rick Kriseman of St. Pete.
And in St. Pete, they have made changes to their wastewater facilities in hopes to handle the amount of water forecasted.
The Albert Whitted facility can now handle 3 million more gallons of sewage than it could when Tropical Storm Colin hit.
Sandbag locations will remain open throughout the day and Wednesday as crews do what they can to make sure everyone is prepared for the storm.
